Pharmacology Basics

Study Notes

Definition and Scope

Pharmacology is the study of the effects of drugs on living organisms
It involves the study of the interactions between drugs and biological systems
Scope includes:
- Pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion)
- Pharmacodynamics (mechanisms of action, effects on the body)
- Toxicology (adverse effects, poisoning)

Types of Drugs

Pharmacological classification:
- By mechanism of action (e.g., beta blockers, ACE inhibitors)
- By therapeutic use (e.g., antibiotics, analgesics)
- By chemical structure (e.g., beta lactams, sulfonamides)
Drug categories:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: available without prescription
- Prescription drugs: require a prescription from a healthcare professional
- Recreational drugs: used for non-medical purposes (e.g., alcohol, nicotine)

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: process of drug uptake into the bloodstream
Distribution: movement of drug from bloodstream to tissues
Metabolism: breakdown of drug into inactive metabolites
Excretion: elimination of drug from the body (e.g., kidney, liver)

Pharmacodynamics

Mechanism of action: how a drug produces its effects
Receptors: specific binding sites for drugs on cells
Dose-response curve: relationship between drug dose and effect
Therapeutic index: measure of a drug's safety and efficacy

Drug Interactions

Pharmacokinetic interactions: alterations in absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion
Pharmacodynamic interactions: alterations in drug effects
Synergism: increased effect when two drugs are used together
Antagonism: decreased effect when two drugs are used together

Definition and Scope

Pharmacology is the study of the effects of drugs on living organisms
It involves the study of the interactions between drugs and biological systems
The scope of pharmacology includes pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology

Types of Drugs

Drugs can be classified pharmacologically by mechanism of action, therapeutic use, or chemical structure
Drug categories include over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription drugs, and recreational drugs
OTC drugs are available without prescription, while prescription drugs require a prescription from a healthcare professional
Recreational drugs are used for non-medical purposes

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption is the process of drug uptake into the bloodstream
Distribution refers to the movement of drug from bloodstream to tissues
Metabolism is the breakdown of drug into inactive metabolites
Excretion is the elimination of drug from the body through kidney, liver, or other means

Pharmacodynamics

Mechanism of action refers to how a drug produces its effects
Receptors are specific binding sites for drugs on cells
Dose-response curve shows the relationship between drug dose and effect
Therapeutic index is a measure of a drug's safety and efficacy

Drug Interactions

Pharmacokinetic interactions alter drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion
Pharmacodynamic interactions alter drug effects
Synergism is an increased effect when two drugs are used together
Antagonism is a decreased effect when two drugs are used together

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology. Learn about the effects of drugs on living organisms and the interactions between drugs and biological systems.